Solbakken: The match against England is not just a duel between Haaland and Kane

Stale Solbakken has praised England’s quality ahead of Norway’s World Cup quarter-final, but says he does not expect his side to control possession in the same way they did against Brazil.

He described the match as a contest between two teams rather than a clash defined by the star forwards, and said the heat could make the game more demanding for both sides. Solbakken added that long spells without the ball would drain energy and make it hard to keep possession once it is regained.

Norway, he said, will stick to the way they have played throughout the tournament. He singled out England’s wide players, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, and England’s midfield as major threats, while stressing that Norway will need a strong performance in that area to compete.

Solbakken also felt the pressure sits more heavily on England. Norway, he said, have stayed calm and kept their appetite for the occasion, a balance he believes has helped them through the tournament.